Six wonderful playgrounds (and a top-notch indoor one) to explore

Posted on 29 December, 2014

Since becoming a mother of two increasingly active toddlers, I’ve discovered the critically important role of a good playground in keeping everyone happy. I have a number of criteria that have to be met (shade, swings, toilets) and then some elements that take a playground from simply good to pretty awesome (coffee, close to shops). N.B.: my criteria for shade is basically that the kids can play most of the time in shade (this doesn’t always extend to shade for parents!) Here are six excellent spots to check out this summer plus a special mention to a small indoor structure that has unexpectedly stolen my heart.

Boundless Canberra {Wendouree Drive, Parkes}

This incredible all-abilities playground was devised by a group of community-minded public servants as a gift to Canberra on its centenary in 2013. Boundless showcases the benefits of inclusion and diversity, enabling children with disability to explore, play and swing to their hearts’ content alongside their able-bodied peers.

There are ramps and cubbies, swings and slides. There’s also a sandpit with diggers! Funds are still being raised for the construction of future stages, including a kiosk, so if you haven’t visited or not yet donated to the cause I highly recommend getting on board to support this wonderful initiative.

✓ Shade for kids – parents may need to huddle in the few shady spots!
✓ Toilets
✓ Swings
✗ Coffee
✗ Close to shops

Pod Playground, {National Arboretum, Forest Drive}

The National Arboretum’s Pod Playground is a beautifully crafted space that reflects the surrounding forests. Giant wooden acorn cubby houses can be reached by clambering breathlessly up through exciting rope tunnels and challenging ladders, only to whizz down again on the slides. It’s definitely reminiscent of the Magic Faraway Tree. There are also several ground-level banksia pods, some with musical instruments, and four swings. Good luck extricating your kids from this playground!

✓ Shade (shade for the kids in the Banksia and Acorn pods, sadly parents might fry on a hot day)
✓ Toilets (not as easily accessible after the Village Centre is closed)
✓ Swings
✓ Coffee
✗ Close to shops

Heritage Park, {Neil Harris Crescent, Forde}

This suburban playground is lovely and has a variety of equipment to please both younger and older children. My toddlers love the red and green tunnel slides, especially the red twisty one, but also the swings and the mini ride-on spring thingies. There are three separate play areas, including the tunnel slides, a challenging climbing frame for older kids, and a smaller slide and climbing frame for younger kids. The shaded area houses picnic tables and a barbecue area. Importantly, there’s coffee and babycinos available at the excellent Frankie’s, which is just over the road at Forde shops.

✓ Shade
✓ Toilets
✓ Swings
✓ Coffee
✓ Close to shops

Chifley Playspace, {Eggleston Crescent, Chifley}

I was first introduced to this brilliant playground by my mother’s group and it’s been a regular haunt ever since. While it’s certainly helped by its proximity to the very kid-friendly A Bite to Eat café, the playground itself is a massive drawcard. Come here for plenty of equipment options, including swings, climbing frames, nets and walls, and a small fortress-style playground. There is another section with a slide and a cute red train that kids love playing in. If you’ve come with a picnic you’ll find plenty of shaded tables and barbecue area.

✓ Shade
✓ Toilets
✓ Swings
✓ Coffee
✓ Close to shops

John Knight Memorial Park, {Aikman Drive, Belconnen}

This park is named after Senator John Knight (1943-1981) who played a major role in ensuring the preservation of much of the shores of Lake Ginninderra for public recreation. It’s been popular with Northside families since the 80s, and it’s common to see several generations picnicking together under the trees. There are two play areas, one which is way too challenging for my toddlers but is clearly thrilling for the older kids. There are also plenty of water birds to watch, thanks to the close proximity of Lake Ginninderra.

✓ Shade
✓ Toilets
✓ Swings
✗ Coffee
✗ Close to shops

Yerrabi Pond District Park, {Wunderlich Street, Gungahlin}

A wonderful adventure playground which includes an all-abilities swing, multiple flying foxes, and a wonderful slide/climbing structure with cubby spaces underneath. Other features include a skateboard/scooter area, BBQs and shaded picnic areas under the trees. Like John Knight Park, Yerrabi Pond also features a plethora of watery wildlife.

✓ Shade
✓ Toilets
✓ Swings
✗ Coffee
✗ Close to shops

And an honourable mention…

Indoor play structure, {Gungahlin Marketplace (outside Supercuts)}

There’s nothing particularly outstanding about this indoor play structure but my toddlers absolutely love it. It has lots of hidey spaces and challenging climbing sections, all culminating in a fun slide. It’s always clean and never too busy; best of all it’s perfectly situated at the shops and perfect for a quick spot of getting the sillies out before the next errand. My heart was completely won over when I found out that you can order an incredibly delicious coffee at the nearby G-Tree Cafe and they bring it out to you at the play area! Winning!

Want southside playgrounds?

From Yarralumla to Gordon, and over to Queanbeyan – you can check out our southside picks here.